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Oconee County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#7 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
48
County Score
Property Tax 94.1Weather & Climate 71.5Water Quality 67.8

County Report Card

About Oconee County, South Carolina

Nearing National Median Performance

Oconee County achieves a composite score of 48.0, just two points shy of the national median. This reflects a high quality of life bolstered by its unique tax advantages.

A Standout Upstate County

Oconee's 48.0 score is significantly higher than the state average of 42.8. It ranks as a more desirable residential hub compared to many surrounding rural counties.

Premier Tax and Income Profile

The county excels with a near-perfect Tax Score of 94.1, driven by an incredibly low effective tax rate of 0.394%. Median household incomes of $60,193 support a strong local economy.

Addressing Safety and Risk

The Safety Score of 10.5 and Risk Score of 14.4 are the county's weakest links. These numbers suggest that while the economy is strong, physical safety and environmental risk require attention.

Top Choice for Low-Tax Living

Oconee is perfect for high-income earners or retirees seeking a low-tax environment in a scenic setting. It offers the best financial terms for homeowners in the entire Upstate region.

Score breakdown

Tax94.1Cost56Safety10.5Health49.4Schools42.6Income39.7Risk14.4Water67.8Weather71.5
🏛94.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Oconee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Oconee County

via TaxByCounty

Oconee taxes rank among America's lowest

Oconee County's effective tax rate of 0.394% places it in the bottom 10% nationally, among the lightest property tax burdens in the United States. At $856 in median taxes, Oconee homeowners pay less than one-third of the national median of $2,690.

Second-lowest rate in South Carolina

Oconee County ranks second in South Carolina with an effective rate of 0.394%, just below Marion County's 0.457% and well below the state average of 0.542%. The median tax bill of $856 reflects the county's favorable combination of reasonable tax rates and moderate home values.

Tax leader in the upstate region

Oconee's 0.394% rate beats all surrounding counties analyzed, including neighboring Pickens (0.380% is actually lower—see note) and Newberry (0.689%). Oconee offers one of the best tax situations in upstate South Carolina.

Median home costs $856 yearly

On Oconee County's median home value of $217,200, annual property taxes total $856—a remarkable bargain for a home valued near the regional average. Including mortgage escrow, homeowners pay approximately $1,017 per year.

Even low rates benefit from appeals

Oconee's low tax rate doesn't eliminate the possibility of overassessment—some homeowners still carry inflated values on the books. A quick appeal to the assessor's office could trim an already favorable tax bill even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oconee County

via CostByCounty

Oconee keeps housing costs low

Oconee County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms South Carolina's average of 20.1%, supported by solid median income of $60,193 and modest $876/month rent. Households dedicate less than 1 in 5 income dollars to housing—comfortably below national stress thresholds.

Oconee rates well in affordability

At 17.5% rent-to-income, Oconee ranks among South Carolina's more affordable counties, with above-average income and rents well below state median. The county's $217,200 median home value reflects stronger demand and quality of life.

Oconee climbs Upstate ladder

Oconee's $60,193 income and 17.5% rent-to-income ratio mirror Pickens ($59,411, 18.9%) and approach Richland ($61,699, 23.1%), positioning it as an affordable Upstate option. Rents of $876/month are reasonable for the region's growing footprint.

Housing costs for renters and owners

Oconee renters pay $876/month while homeowners spend $721/month on median homes worth $217,200. With income of $60,193, renters dedicate 17.5% to housing, while homeowners enjoy favorable equity potential in a growing market.

Oconee: Upstate affordability hub

Oconee offers Upstate South Carolina's best housing affordability: reasonable rents, attractive home values, and solid income levels near the state average. The county's proximity to Clemson and regional employment centers makes it ideal for professionals seeking balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oconee County

via IncomeByCounty

Oconee earns 20% below national average

Oconee County's median household income of $60,193 falls 19% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, though it ranks among South Carolina's stronger earners. This gap reflects Oconee's position as an upstate county with mixed industrial and service economies.

Oconee ranks above-average in South Carolina

Oconee's $60,193 median income exceeds the state average of $57,006 and places it in South Carolina's upper-third tier of earners. This strong standing reflects the county's economic diversification and proximity to regional employment hubs.

Oconee leads upstate peer counties

Oconee's $60,193 edges Pickens County ($59,411) and Newberry County ($59,670), establishing it as the wealthiest among its immediate upstate neighbors. This leadership position underscores Oconee's relative economic strength within the region.

Housing affordable despite rising values

Oconee's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% remains well below the 20% threshold, indicating healthy housing affordability for renters. A median home value of $217,200 is higher than the county median income, yet reflects strong property appreciation and demand.

Oconee: invest aggressively for future

Oconee households earning $60,193 with low housing cost burdens can direct $400–$500 monthly into diversified investments and retirement accounts. At that rate, compound growth over 30 years can build $300,000+ in wealth, enabling college funding and early retirement options.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oconee County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates align near National Norms

Oconee County features a total crime rate of 2,729.3 per 100K, slightly higher than the national 2,385.5. It maintains a solid safety score of 95.7, indicating a stable security environment.

Tracking with South Carolina Safety Trends

The county's safety score of 95.7 is nearly identical to the South Carolina state average of 95.4. Twelve reporting agencies contribute to this data, showing a consistent level of public safety.

Competitive Safety in the Upstate

Oconee’s crime rate of 2,729.3 is lower than the state average of 2,920.8. This makes it a relatively safe choice compared to more urbanized neighboring counties in the region.

Low Violent Crime, Typical Property Crime

The violent crime rate of 352.9 is better than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main driver of local statistics, occurring at a rate of 2,376.4 per 100K residents.

Focusing on Theft and Property Protection

With property crime being the primary concern, residents are encouraged to use smart home security and motion lighting. Staying vigilant helps preserve Oconee's strong standing in violent crime safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Oconee County

via HealthByCounty

Oconee leads on longevity in SC

Oconee County residents live 75.0 years on average, just 1.1 years below the U.S. median of 76.1 years and 2.5 years above South Carolina's average. Only 15.8% report poor or fair health, the second-best rate in this eight-county cohort and well below the national 18% average. Oconee demonstrates that strong health outcomes are achievable in South Carolina with the right mix of resources and access.

Among South Carolina's healthiest counties

Oconee's 75.0-year life expectancy ranks second-highest statewide, trailing only Richland County's 75.5 years. The county's 15.8% poor/fair health rate is also near the top, reflecting sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and population wellbeing. Oconee shows that rural counties can achieve urban-level health outcomes with adequate provider capacity and insured populations.

Solid provider access despite higher uninsured rate

Oconee's 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents matches McCormick and exceeds Marion and Marlboro counties, supporting robust routine care. With 121 mental health providers per 100K and 75-year life expectancy, Oconee demonstrates that strong provider networks can buffer against moderate insurance gaps. However, Oconee's 13.3% uninsured rate is the highest in this cohort, a challenge the county's provider strength helps mitigate.

Provider strength offsets coverage challenges

Oconee's 13.3% uninsured rate—highest among these eight counties—affects roughly 2,500 residents lacking insurance coverage. Despite this gap, the county's strong primary care (52 per 100K) and low poor/fair health rate (15.8%) suggest that available providers serve insured populations well and that community health options assist uninsured residents. The mismatch highlights that uninsured Oconee residents may struggle to access available care.

Insurance unlocks Oconee's healthcare strength

Oconee residents without coverage should visit healthcare.gov or South Carolina Medicaid to unlock access to the county's strong primary care network. With 52 primary care providers per 100K, getting insured means getting connected to excellent routine care. Coverage is your key to fully accessing the healthcare infrastructure that makes Oconee one of South Carolina's healthiest counties.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Oconee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling for 10,000 Students

Oconee County features a large and comprehensive educational network of 17 schools serving 10,217 students. The system is well-distributed with 10 elementary, three middle, and four high schools. All campuses are part of a single, unified district that covers the entire county.

Leading the State in Key Metrics

The county's graduation rate of 86.0% is significantly higher than the South Carolina average of 84.2% and nears the national benchmark. Oconee supports this success with per-pupil spending of $7,717, which is over $500 more than the state average. These investments are reflected in a strong composite school score of 53.0, outperforming many neighboring counties.

The Unified Strength of Oconee 01

Oconee 01 manages all 10,217 students in the county, providing a large-scale district experience with a wide variety of programs. There are no charter schools in the county, as the centralized district system serves all families. This traditional structure supports large high schools like Walhalla and Seneca, which both serve over 1,000 students.

Substantial Schools in a Scenic Landscape

While 11 schools are rural, six are situated in town locales, offering a mix of atmospheres for students. The average school size is 639 students, which is larger than many nearby rural counties, creating a more bustling campus environment. Walhalla High is the largest school with 1,139 students, providing a comprehensive high school experience with diverse extracurriculars.

Discover Homes in a Top-Rated District

With performance scores and graduation rates that exceed state averages, Oconee County is a premier destination for families. Focusing your home search near the Walhalla or Seneca school zones ensures access to the county's largest and most robust educational facilities. Make school quality a top priority when exploring this beautiful region of South Carolina.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oconee County

via RiskByCounty

Oconee faces above-average national disaster risk

Oconee County scores 85.62 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category and substantially above South Carolina's average of 70.75. This elevated position reflects consistent, above-average exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly flooding.

Oconee ranks among SC's higher-risk counties

Oconee County ranks fourth-highest for overall disaster risk among South Carolina's 46 counties, trailing only Richland, Orangeburg, and Marion. This standing reflects the county's significant multi-hazard vulnerability.

Oconee far exceeds nearby county risk levels

Oconee's 85.62 composite score substantially outpaces neighboring Newberry County (61.99) and Pickens County (77.61). The county's 81.14 flood risk is particularly elevated compared to regional peers, reflecting its geographic position.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate Oconee's profile

Oconee's flood risk of 81.14 is the county's most pressing hazard, driven by its position in the Piedmont region with steep terrain and river systems. Tornado risk (81.04) creates a close second threat, putting residents at risk from both water and wind.

Flood insurance is absolutely essential

Oconee residents with property in flood-prone areas must carry separate flood insurance, as the county's 81.14 flood risk is among the state's highest. Comprehensive homeowner's coverage including wind protection is equally critical given the 81.04 tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oconee County

via WeatherByCounty

A Refreshing Exception to National Norms

Oconee County averages 58.0°F annually, placing it closer to the national median than most of its South Carolina neighbors. The county receives a staggering 65.5 inches of precipitation, far exceeding the United States average. This creates a lush, temperate environment unique to the Blue Ridge foothills.

The Coolest Corner of South Carolina

Oconee is one of the coolest counties in the state, with its 58.0°F average sitting nearly five degrees below the state average of 62.8°F. It also serves as the state's wettest region, recording 65.5 inches of rain compared to the state average of 48.9 inches. This mountain-influenced climate sets it apart from the sweltering Lowcountry.

Distinctly Cooler Than Neighboring Pickens

Oconee stays notably cooler than adjacent Pickens County, which averages 60.3°F annually. The county also sees more precipitation than Spartanburg, which records 50.5 inches compared to Oconee's 65.5 inches. These differences highlight the significant impact of Oconee's higher elevation.

Mild Summers and Snowy Peaks

Summers are relatively comfortable with only 28 days hitting 90°F, while July averages a mild 75.4°F. Winter is the coldest in the region, averaging 41.8°F with an annual snowfall of 2.8 inches. This represents the highest snow accumulation among the counties in this group.

Prepare for Rain and Frozen Pipes

Residents must maintain high-capacity gutters and drainage systems to handle the heavy 65.5-inch annual rainfall. Winter preparations should include snow shovels and insulation for pipes to withstand the 2.8 inches of snow and chilly 40.1°F January lows. Lightweight summer clothing suffices for the modest 28 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oconee County

via SoilByCounty

Unmapped soils of the Upstate

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Oconee County are currently limited in the regional dataset. Local residents should use the national median pH of 6.5 as a target when testing their individual garden plots.

Determining your unique mix

While sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this county, the region often features diverse mountain and Piedmont soils. Observing your soil's texture—whether it feels gritty or sticky—can help you identify your own drainage needs.

Building local fertility

Specific organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable at this time. To ensure your garden thrives, aim to add organic amendments to reach the state average organic matter level of 2.05%.

Observing water flow in Oconee

Official drainage and hydrologic classifications are not listed for this county profile. Given the varied topography of the area, monitoring runoff and soil moisture after rain is the best way to plan your landscape.

Endless variety in zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a provides a versatile climate for everything from leafy greens to hardy perennials. Don't let a lack of regional data stop you from starting a small raised bed and discovering what grows best in your backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oconee County

via LawnByCounty

Oconee Hits the National Average for Ease

Oconee County is the easiest place in this group to grow a lawn, with a score of 50.0 that matches the national average. This Zone 8a county benefits from a much milder climate than its neighbors to the south, making turf management significantly simpler.

High Rainfall and Cooler Summer Temps

The county receives a robust 65.5 inches of rain annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 48.9 inches. With only 28 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces much less thermal stress than the rest of South Carolina.

Local Testing Needed for Mountain Soils

Detailed soil data for Oconee is currently unavailable, but the high rainfall suggests a need to monitor for nutrient leaching and acidity. Homeowners should conduct a local soil test to determine the exact pH and composition before starting a new lawn.

Staying Vigilant Against Current Dryness

Despite having only 18 weeks of drought last year, Oconee is currently 100% in severe drought. Monitor your lawn for signs of wilting and use the county's naturally high precipitation patterns to your advantage by installing rain-sensing irrigation.

Cooler Climate Allows Diverse Grass Options

Thanks to fewer heat days, Oconee residents can successfully grow Tall Fescue or even Kentucky Bluegrass alongside warm-season varieties. Wait until the final spring frost on April 11th before starting any major seeding or sodding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oconee County's county score?
Oconee County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 48 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Oconee County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Oconee County ranks #7 among all counties in South Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Oconee County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Oconee County is $856, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Oconee County a tax score of 94.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oconee County?
The median household income in Oconee County, South Carolina is $60,193 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oconee County earns an income score of 39.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oconee County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Oconee County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Oconee County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Oconee County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.